Posts
4260
Joined
8/7/2010
Location
Temple City, CA
US
Ok guys I’m looking to get my suspension done front and rear. Not an a-kit, or even coating.
I currently have WP xact air fork with Lanier internal valve stopper kit inside.
I want my bike to work amazing at Glen Helen lol.. that roughness and chop etc.. the other places like Elsinore/Perris/lacr are flat and don’t get that rough, so I’m not that concerned.
Anyway with that stated, when I was younger Schmidt performance came to milestone and made some adjustments to my 01 yz250f that was fucking amazing and made milestone ride like a dream.
So that brings me back to my main question, which company can make this happen for a reasonable amount? Pros and cons for each from experience?
I’m currently looking at:
1. Schmidt performance - based on a past experience
2. Lanier suspension - my other buddies recommendation
3. Factory connection - buddy swears up and down by them and I mean they’re big time
4. Race tech - I’ve heard pros and cons of their stuff
5. Enzo - last time I rode a friends bike with his stuff on it was 05 at the old Elsinore, it seemed ok, but wasn’t set up for me.
6. Too tech - I always see it on desert bikes, dunno about mx
7. Pro circuit - would they even touch my husky stuff?
8. Kyb- don’t know anything about their stuff honestly
9. AEO - don’t know much about there stuff, just seen it on some bikes
10. Shock therapy - saw it on the side of a truck, are they any good?
Anyhow some detailed information would be greatly appreciated.
Thankyou for taking the time to read this.
I currently have WP xact air fork with Lanier internal valve stopper kit inside.
I want my bike to work amazing at Glen Helen lol.. that roughness and chop etc.. the other places like Elsinore/Perris/lacr are flat and don’t get that rough, so I’m not that concerned.
Anyway with that stated, when I was younger Schmidt performance came to milestone and made some adjustments to my 01 yz250f that was fucking amazing and made milestone ride like a dream.
So that brings me back to my main question, which company can make this happen for a reasonable amount? Pros and cons for each from experience?
I’m currently looking at:
1. Schmidt performance - based on a past experience
2. Lanier suspension - my other buddies recommendation
3. Factory connection - buddy swears up and down by them and I mean they’re big time
4. Race tech - I’ve heard pros and cons of their stuff
5. Enzo - last time I rode a friends bike with his stuff on it was 05 at the old Elsinore, it seemed ok, but wasn’t set up for me.
6. Too tech - I always see it on desert bikes, dunno about mx
7. Pro circuit - would they even touch my husky stuff?
8. Kyb- don’t know anything about their stuff honestly
9. AEO - don’t know much about there stuff, just seen it on some bikes
10. Shock therapy - saw it on the side of a truck, are they any good?
Anyhow some detailed information would be greatly appreciated.
Thankyou for taking the time to read this.
One name I would add to you list for consideration is Ride JBI. If I lived in Southern California, he would be my first choice.
I’ve used Graeme Brough (closest to you if Temple City still your location), AHM Factory Services, and Shock Therapy through the years: Would recommend all again. My Dad’s 60+ and had good results with Too Tech. Best advice is to be honest with whoever you choose, and don’t be afraid to fine tune/tweak to “perfection”. Often, tuners can get you 90% of the way there, and a couple clicks, preload, HS will make it even better any given ride day...Keep us updated and good luck with your search!
6. Too Tech, I've seen Rick Johnson at GH a lot. Don't let the desert set ups keep you away. I used him quite a while back and he did a great job on a CR250.
I've had good experience with Race Tech but have heard it doesn't always gel with some people.
The Shop
Weight Wight Gear: 280
Weight Naked: 267
Ability: Midpack Novice, C class.
On multiple occasions Factory Connection and Precision Concepts have missed the mark. On one occasion, Factory Connection even sprung my shock with the wrong spring plus sent me another customer's parts I think. I never did get to the bottom of what I received (it was an extra shock spring). So I kinda gave up after that.
Side note: Enzo revalved the stock forks and shock on my 2019 KTM 450 and it was one of the best bangs for the buck ever.
"Find a suspension shop and develop a relationship with them."
No doubt a HUGE part of the revalve process is learning what each side means through feedback. From the first revalve attempt forward, it get exponentially easier from here once both sides can understand what a specific setting feels like to the rider and make fine-tuning adjustments. I like to call this the "Gaussian elimination process of suspension tuning!" <--- Very sad attempt at tech humor for a small, nerd audience here.
I've tried some big shops and was not impressed whatsoever. I've heard enough other similar reports that I learned how to do my own. I will not pay big bucks to have some ham fisted kid doing who-knows-what to my suspension.
When .05mm makes a difference, I just don't trust somebody I don't know.
Race Tech has always turned up settings that were way too soft for me.
I just tried The Ride Shop in AZ. Had to send my shock back to them a second time, but Jonny made it right and nailed it the second time.
Factory Connection on my KX450: They were ok... wasn't super happy with the forks.
Roth Racing for my YZ250: They are great, but I guess he's not doing suspension work anymore, which sucks because he's 10 min. away.
707 has a set of KX450 forks now: I've heard good things and I'm excited to see how they come back.
Pit Row
Rick at TooTech has been my guy since I got back into riding and racing a few years ago. He's out pounding laps 2-3 days a week and if you're out there chasing your tail on settings he will help you out. He always answers the phone or texts, or calls you back asap.
He pretty much nailed my YZ250 valving on the first initial setup. I ended up asking for a bit more oil in the forks, then we were 100% dialed.
For my '22 CRF450, we got it dialed on the 2nd try, but he actually didn't realize I "stepped up" my speed quite a bit recently. Once I told him what was going on he knew it was too soft and fixed it. Bike has been AMAZING lately. His prices are competitive with the other solo guys, and way cheaper than the big names.
Steve at Shock Therapy is also awesome. I talk to him at the races all the time and I hear nothing but great things from his customers.
I have a few friends who use Graeme Brough and again, nothing but good things (for all types of riding too).
EDIT: FYI - Rick at TooTech is on a Husky right now...
How did you get in contact with Rob?
I think it’s best to go with the guys that are local, at the tracks as well, and help you set the bike up POST sale.
There’s a lot of turn and burn out there and as soon as the set leaves the shop it’s never thought of/seen again. IMO a lot of reputable tuners who now own companies, specialized with suspension manufacturers themselves for a period of time. (Ross Maeda/Enzo - KYB, Mark Johnson/REP -Factory WP, Factory Connection had an almost 30 year Showa guy under them along with Dave Arnold)
As for the smaller tuners, yes it’s great to help the local guy however experience/knowledge/safety is what you pay for.. You may end up happy but how long/safe is the road to get there?
Post a reply to: Very subjective question (Best suspension company)